MANHATTAN’S FIRST MODULAR RESIDENTIAL BUILDING

By W.A. Muller

The Stack, New York City’s first modular multi-story housing development, has opened its doors to renters. The seven-story prefabricated steel and concrete development consists of 28 studios, one, two-and three-bedroom homes.

Douglas Elliman Development Marketing is exclusively handling the marketing and leasing for this project. Developed by Jeffrey Brown and Kimberly Frank and designed by GLUCK+, the Stack is located at 4857 Broadway in Manhattan’s neighborhood of Inwood.

“Inwood remains one of the last undiscovered neighborhoods in Manhattan – a hidden gem,” said Clifford Finn, Executive Vice President at Douglas Elliman Development Marketing. “The Stack is modern in its modular approach and speaks to an audience that appreciates its innovative design. We expect to have tremendous interest among renters with this property.”

According to Brown and Frank, the developers, “this project exemplifies the opportunity to create an exciting design for living while enjoying the benefits and efficiencies of controlled, offsite fabrication. As builders and developers, we are intrigued with this methodology and its application on a multitude of new projects. And, while the construction is innovative, the completed building provides a well-designed, efficiently built, modern structure incorporating 28 beautiful, comfortable, light-filled homes.”

The approximately 38,000-square foot building was fabricated off-site in Pennsylvania by DeLuxe Building Systems before being shipped to New York City as 56 separate modules. The foundations and the concrete first floor were built traditionally at the site. Additional work included erecting the building and completing the mechanical system connections, creating a seamless interior finish and, as a final step, installing the exterior façade.